Indora (Kangra), December 19
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced that the ‘Indora Utsav’ will soon be accorded district-level status, while pledging firm opposition to the Union Government’s move to abolish the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), calling it a “grave injustice” to the poor.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Indora Utsav—organised on the theme “Chitta-Free Himachal”—the Chief Minister said the state government would strongly resist the Centre’s proposal to scrap MGNREGA and replace it with a new law. “MGNREGA has been the world’s largest employment scheme and a lifeline for millions, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. Its abolition is unjust and unacceptable,” Sukhu said.
Applauding the Indora Utsav, he said the event had become a symbol of community participation and awareness against drug abuse. Commending the local efforts, he announced that the festival will now be recognized at the district level to highlight its growing significance.
Highlighting the success of the “Chitta-Free Himachal” campaign, Sukhu revealed that illegal assets worth ₹50 crore linked to the drug trade have already been seized, with remaining properties set to be destroyed within six months. He urged public support for the campaign, encouraging citizens and Panchayats to share credible information through the 112 helpline, assuring confidentiality and rewards from ₹10,000 to ₹10 lakh.
Reiterating his government’s focus on rural empowerment, the Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh had become the first state in India to provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown crops including wheat, maize, turmeric, barley, and milk. The state aims to ensure a minimum monthly family income of ₹20,000 for farmers.
He said the government is investing heavily in healthcare modernization, with ₹3,000 crore sanctioned for MRI, CT scan, and X-ray machines across medical colleges and civil hospitals. The introduction of robotic surgery and advanced 3-Tesla MRI machines in five medical colleges marks a decisive push towards world-class healthcare. Sukhu also revealed that special revenue courts have settled 4.63 lakh pending cases, speeding up delivery of justice.
On the economic front, Sukhu announced key legal and financial wins for the state, including the resolution of the 23-year-old Wild Flower Hall case, which will generate ₹20 crore in annual revenue, and the increased royalty from 12% to 18% from the JSW-operated Karcham-Wangtoo project, bringing in ₹150 crore more each year.
The Chief Minister said the state government’s efforts were focused on achieving self-reliance, employment generation, and balanced regional development. He also interacted with students of Angel Orphanage Home, encouraging them to pursue education and self-confidence.
The event featured vibrant cultural performances by singer Lakhwinder Badali, the HP Police Band, and local artists.
Among those present were Agriculture Minister Prof. Chander Kumar, Vice Chairman State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, Chairman Wool Fed Manoj Thakur, Vice Chairman HPIDC Vishal Chambyal, Chairman APMC Kangra Nishu Mongra, former ministers, MLAs, and senior officials.
Local MLA Malender Rajan welcomed the Chief Minister, stating that the Indora Utsav symbolizes the collective determination to fight drug abuse and move toward a prosperous, self-reliant Himachal Pradesh.
Leave feedback about this